Cosmo's

If you are looking for a relaxing dining experience in the Gulf Coast region, Cosmo's Restaurant and Bar is the place to go. Offering a fun atmosphere with live music outside on their deck as well as some of the best seafood, steaks, and sushi around. Located at Fish Camp Landing in Orange Beach, Alabama. Cosmo's is a favorite among locals and also visitors in the area. Don't worry about your budget because their menu has a vairety of quality food available at reasonable prices. Cosmo's serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week. You can even watch them roll your fresh sushi, which is served daily after 5 p.m. and all day Sunday.

The Weekend Recap

I am very blessed that my family has a beach house in Gulf Shores. This weekend was spent relaxing on the beach during a beautiful sunny day on Saturday. Friends from Florence, Alabama came for the weekend. Even though the BP workers were sifting sand, the water was clear and beautiful the entire time. The beaches were more crowded than they have been all summer!
Saturday night the house was full. My aunt and uncle, sister and husband, friends, and my parents sat around the table after dinner telling old stories. I haven't laughed that much in a long time. We had a blast!
Sunday, the weather was cloudy so I did what I do best - shop! The Tanger Outlet was calling my name so on the way home I bought out Banana Republic. They had some really good deals so if you are in Foley in the next few days, stop by the Tanger Outlet for some new school clothes!

Summer is Almost Over

Summer is almost over and now the real world begins again! My summer has been full of fun, work, and studying. The summer started off with a family vacation on a seven day cruise to Naussa, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. We went on the Carnival Dream, the largest ship Carnival has to offer. We had calm seas and beautiful weather the entire week. Now, nearing the end of July, I wish I could go back in time and cruise again.
The work is really beginning now....setting up my classroom for the first time. I had no idea it would be this much work! Between working during the day, writing and studying for this class, and setting up my classroom the time has really flown by. Three more weeks of freedom!

The Day After the Buffett Concert

Well, it was as fun as I thought it would be. Thousands of people, young and old, crowded the white sand at the beach. It was amazing how well the day was organized. No chairs were allowed in the gates, but a beach towel was all you needed! If you have ever been to Shrimp Festival it was similar with the food and drink booths. Not to my surprise, Landshark beer was the only beer of choice. If one beer was sold, 20,000 was sold! Hopefully, the City of Gulf Shores was able to make a little profit off Landshark.
The only disappointment I had was the lack of friends that Jimmy Buffett had yesterday! There were so much talk of other artists that would make an appearance. I really had my hopes up for Brooks and Dunn. Their bus was there, but no show of the duo. I can't wait to see the reruns on CMT. What an experience!

Concert in Gulf Shores

Jimmy Buffett here I come! I just found out I have tickets to the biggest concert Gulf Shores has ever had. My mother can work magic at times! What I can't wait to find out who is coming with him. The rumors are Brooks and Dunn, Bruce Springstein, Miley Cyrus, and Alan Jackson. It really doesn't matter because it will be an experience no matter who comes! Today is a gorgeous day; the sun is shinning and there is very little sign of oil.
I have been at the beach since Thursday night and it is amazing to see all the work that has gone into this event. Gulf Shores is finally crowded! I usually complain about the crowds, but now I am grateful for the people. Lucy Buffett had a great idea. I hope this weekend can boost the economy in Baldwin County for at least a weekend.

Foley Train Museum

The Foley Train Museum is a really neat place to take children on a field trip. It is filled with history of the first train depot in Baldwin County. The L & N Railroad Depot was built in 1905 by Mr. John Foley of Chicago. The main purpose of the Foley train was to ship produce to the markets in the southern part of Baldwin County. After the depot closed down in 1971, Mr. Snook bought it for one dollar! Years later, the depot became a museum filled with pictures and artifacts of southern Baldwin County.
As a young child, I rememember going to the Foley Train Museum. It was very interesting. This year, I hope to take my first graders on a field trip to the museum. I think they will love it!

Downtown Fairhope

One of the most beautiful places in Baldwin County is downtown Fairhope. The City of Fairhope keeps downtown immaculate. The flowers are planted on every corner and makes Fairhope very colorful. During the holiday season, the trees that align the streets are covered in white lights; which adds more beauty to this quaint town. The lights stay lit every night from November through Mardi Gras.

For those of us who like to shop, Fairhope has a store for everyone. Fantasy Island Toys is a favorite for the children, while M&F Casuals, CK Collection, Uptown, and Private Gallery is the girls' favorite shops. Downtown Fairhope is not only my favorite place to shop, it has fun restaurants. Master Jo's has the best sushi in Baldwin County! If you plan to go on a Friday or Saturday night, you will have to be patient, but it is worth the wait. Ole Bay Steamer is a great seafood restaurant and Mr. Genes Beans is the place to go for dessert.

If you have never been to downtown Fairhope, you need to plan to come for the day. I promise, you will come back again and again!

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located in Gulf Shores, Alabama close to the beach. This zoo is the home to more than 300 animals. You will see monkeys, lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, and many other animals. There is also a petting zoo, reptile house, and daily animal shows in the summer. You can even play with baby tigers! I have never played with the baby tigers, but I have heard from several people that this is the neatest experience.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a special zoo because it has experienced several hurricanes and has almost closed due to the damage caused by the flooding. Thanks to many private donations and grants, the zoo was able to rebuild and reopen. Due to the events caused by hurricane Ivan in 2004, the Animal Planet did a series of 13 episodes and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo became known as "The Little Zoo that Could."

I really enjoy going to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and I highly recommend everyone visit this zoo. This zoo is small enough that you can really tell how much the staff loves the animals. Every animal at the zoo has a name and you can tell the animals know their name. As a visitor, I felt welcomed and was able to take my time watching the animals and didn't feel rushed.

Tanger Outlet

Are you in the mood for shopping? Tanger Outlets in Foley, Alabama offer some of the best shopping on the Gulf Coast. With over 120 shops ranging from casual clothes and accessories to higher end formal wear. There is something for everyone - children and adults. Some of my favorite shops include Polo, Banana Republic, Gap, JCrew, Old Navy, and Private Gallery. Store hours are from Sunday- 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m and Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ann Taylor, Bass, BCBG Maxazria, Brooks Brothers, Naturalizer, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, American Eagle, Calvin Klein, and many more great stores are in this outlet mall. For dining, there is a food court on site at Tanger Outlets, which offers a variety of food including pizza, Chinese, and sub sandwiches just to name a few. For the kids, there is a carousel, a water fountain, and a playground with slides and swing sets. Just take a short drive down Highway 59 in Foley, AL and you can enjoy this wonderful shopping experience.